Improvement in elastic saddles



UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.

LEWIS BISHOP, OF TALLADEGA, ALABAMA.

IMPROVEMENT IN ELASTIC SADDLES.

Specication forming part of Letters Patent No. 22,480, dated January 4, 1859.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, LEWIS BISHOP, of Talladega, in the county of Talladega and State of Alabama, have invented a new and Improved Elastic Saddle; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making a part of this specification7 in which-'- Figure l is a longitudinal vertical section of my improvement. Fig. 2 is a back view of the same.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the two igures.

This invention consists oi' an improved article of manufacturef-viz., a saddle having a seat suspended on springs by means of loops and eyes and otherwise made, as hereinafter shown and described.

To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and construct my invention7 I will proceed to describe it.

A represents the tree of the saddle, to each end of which an upright elastic steel bar Bis attached. C is the seat ot' the saddle, which has steel loops c attached to it, one at each end. These loops may be constructed of fiat plates or bars, or round rods may be used. The loops at each end of the seat may be formed of a single steel bar or rod bent in V form, each loop passing through an eye b at the upper ends of the elastic bars or springs B B The tree A is properly covered and padded and provided with the usual straps for securing it to the back of the animal. The seat C is constructed of leather or has a leather covering and is properly arranged,so as to insure a sufficient support. The seat is allowed to rock freely to the right and left, as indicated by arrows 1, Fig. 2, in consequence of being suspended by the loops a to the elastic bars B B, and the bars B B admit of a vertical play, as indicated by the arrows 2 in Fig. l.

By this improvement the saddle is made to conform to the movements of the animal and a very easy and agreeable seat obtained.

I am aware that elastic saddles have been previously constructed; but, so far as I am aware, a vertical play or spring has only been given the seat, no provision being made for a rocking movement. This rocking movement is an essential feature of the invention. It eases to a great extent the sudden jar attending the gait known as a trot,7 and as the motions of the animal can only be transmitted to the seat through the loops a and elastic bars B B it will at once be seen that the seat C will neutralize or ease to a very great extent the sudden jars, concussions, the., attending the movement ot' the animal.

I do not claim, broadly, the employment or use of a spring or elastic seat attached to a saddle, for such device has been previously used; but, so far as I am aware, a rocking movement in connection with a vertically-vibrating one has not hitherto been given the seat.

\Vhat I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent as an improved article of manufacture, is- Y A saddle having a seat C suspended on springs B by means of loops a and eyes b, and otherwise made as herein shown and described.

LEWIS BISHOP.

Witnesses:

P. A. STAMPS, Jos. N. SAVERY. 

